The BRICS TimesAfghanistan announces swift plans to build dams on the Kunar River. This follows months after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty.
Istanbul Peace Talks Underway
The second round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan began on Saturday in Istanbul. Despite the ongoing talks, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif reportedly maintained aggressive rhetoric. He issued an “open war” threat to Afghanistan.
Details of the Initial Discussions
The first discussion round was held on October 18-19 in Doha. Qatar and Turkey mediated these initial negotiations. The Afghan delegation was led by Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Mujeeb. Anas Haqqani, brother of Afghan Interior Minister Noor Ahmad Noor, was also part of the team. Pakistan was represented by a two-member security officials’ delegation.
Outcome Expected Soon
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had led the first round. He allegedly claimed in Sialkot that results from this new round might surface by Sunday. A report by Pakistan’s Daily Times stated his strong position. He said Pakistan would have no choice but to engage in open conflict if talks fail. However, he also noted that both parties appear to desire peace.
Plan for Third-Party Oversight
Pakistani media reported on Saturday about a proposed ‘Third-Party Oversight Structure’. Islamabad wants this structure to be established. Turkey and Qatar could co-chair this new body. Its purpose would be to confirm progress and act against non-compliance.
Demand for TTP Action
Pakistan’s leading daily ‘Dawn’ reported on the expected agenda. Pakistan is likely to urge the Afghan side to take concrete action. This is aimed at eliminating the threat of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan argues that the TTP uses Afghan soil to launch cross-border attacks.
Tense Relations and Border Clashes
Kabul and Islamabad’s relationship is currently passing through a difficult phase. Multiple clashes have occurred along the Durand Line in recent weeks. The Pakistani government viewed Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit with suspicion. Muttaqi began a week-long trip to New Delhi on October 9. Drone attacks occurred in Kabul on the very first day of his visit.
Afghan Dam Plans Cause Unease
India suspended the Indus Water Treaty after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Months after this, Afghanistan announced its dam construction plans. They aim to build dams on the Kunar River as quickly as possible. This move is expected to increase anxiety in Islamabad. Taliban Deputy Information Minister Muhajir Farahi spoke on X. He said Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada gave instructions to the ministry. The Water and Energy Ministry must start building Kunar River dams immediately. They must sign contracts with domestic firms and avoid waiting for foreign companies. This action follows a ceasefire after days of hostility between the two nations.
About the Kunar River
The Chitral River is also known as the Kunar River in Afghanistan. This 480 km long river flows through northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. It originates from the Chiantar Glacier on the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral border in Pakistan. It enters Afghanistan at Arandu, where it becomes the Kunar River. Later, it joins the Kabul River in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar Province.
